Annual Leaves & Public Holidays

My aunt, who has been living in the Netherlands for many years, returned to Malaysia recently. Accompanying her was her husband.

Out of curiosity, I asked her husband, “How many days of annual leaves do you have?” The answer was: 25 days each year.

Many Malaysian politicians and business people have complained that there are too many public holidays in this country, so much so that it affects productivity. It is true that Malaysia probably has the second highest number of public holidays among Asian nations, just behind Thailand. But we don’t enjoy as many paid holidays as our counterparts in Europe (generally less than 20 days), so that pretty much evens out.

Also, bear it mind that if a public holidays falls on Saturday, it is not replaced. The next Labor Day, Christmas and New Year Day of 2011 all fall on Saturday, so essentially we ‘lose’ three holidays.

Ultimately, the more important issue is how we make use of our free time. If we do charity works or take part in self-improvement class during our days off, we are not being unproductive. I am sure many people have second occupation.

As for myself: I have been doing MBA in the last few years. And it has been ages since I last joined a week-long meditation class. C’mon, give us more holidays!